ryan foreman wrote:
medals in cross country skiing. We don't say they are genetically gifted at cross country skiing do we?
BRG/253 wrote:Genetics is by far the most important determinant of running ability. The influence of training and drugs doesn't even come close to that of genetics. Bekele is fast because he is genetically supreme, and anyone who doubts it is ignorant to the core. Out of 7 billion people, he is the best specimen the human race has to offer (that we know of). Of course he's going to be able to do things that seem incredible by the standards of the letsrun cult of mediocrity.
There is a big difference here. XC skiing is a highly technical sport. Anyone can run, but developing world class xc ski technique takes many, many years.